The 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift has finally been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom). The first mid-lifecycle update brings subtle styling changes, new features, and an all-new automatic gearbox option to this Creta-rivalling SUV.
| Skoda Kushaq | 1-Litre Turbo-Petrol with Manual | 1-litre Turbo-Petrol with Automatic | 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol with DCT Automatic |
| Classic Plus | Rs 10.69 lakh | Rs 12.69 lakh | – |
| Signature | Rs 14.59 lakh | Rs 15.59 lakh | – |
| Sportline | Rs 14.74 lakh | Rs 15.74 lakh | – |
| Prestige | Rs 16.79 lakh | Rs 17.59 lakh | Rs 18.79 lakh |
| Monte-Carlo | – | Rs 17.89 lakh | Rs 18.99 lakh |
Bookings for the 2026 Kushaq are already underway, while deliveries are expected to commence in the upcoming days.
Skoda Kushaq – Design and Features
- With the facelift update, the Kushaq now boasts Skoda’s latest Modern Solid design, featuring a new gloss black butterfly grille, flanked by sleeker LED headlamps with eyebrow-like DRLs and an L-shaped connected LED bar running through the grille.
- The bumper has been reshaped with a new lower apron and an angular-shaped faux silver skid plate.
- Things remain largely unchanged on the sides, save for the newly designed 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
- The rear features a full-width LED lighting setup with an illuminated ‘SKODA’ lettering and sequential turn indicators.
- Skoda has also tweaked the rear bumper.
Monte Carlo Joins Variant Range
Skoda has also made the Monte Carlo Edition as part of the regular variant lineup right from launch, which adds some blacked-out elements and red highlights to various parts of the SUV for a sportier feel.
Also Read: Renault Duster Iconic Launch Edition Explained
Three New Colour Options
Three new shades have been added to its colour palaette, comprising Shimla Green, Cherry Red and Steel Grey, offered alongside the existing Brillian Silver, Deep Black, Carbon Steel, Candy White and Lava Blue.
Interior Changes
- While the interior layout of the SUV remains unchanged, the 2026 Kushaq receives a new black-&-beige theme in the Prestige variant and a crimson theme in the Monte Carlo Edition.
- It also gets a new 10.25-inch digital cluster, a panoramic sunroof, the segment’s first massage function, dual-tone ambient lighting, and an updated user interface for the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Entry-level Variants Strengthened
- Besides the above-mentioned changes, Skoda has also strengthened its entry-level variants, making them more appealing with added features and improved value for money.
- That said, the Czech automaker has made features like alloy wheels, single-pane sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper & washer, rear defogger, auto climate control, rear sequential turn indicators and touchscreen infotainment as part of the standard package.
- Additionally, front parking sensors are available as an option for the base variant and come standard on all other trims.
Also See: Skoda Kylaq Updated With Two New Variants and Added Features
What’s Missing?
Features like a 360-degree surround view system, rear seat recline function, rear sunblinds, and an ADAS suite are still a big miss.
New Automatic Gearbox Option
The facelifted Kushaq retains the same 1-litre (115PS/178Nm) and 1.5-litre (150PS/250Nm) turbocharged petrol engine options. However, Skoda has introduced a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission for the smaller 1-litre unit, replacing the earlier 6-speed unit for smoother shifts, improved driving comfort and better fuel economy.
| Engine | 1-litre turbo-petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine |
| No of Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
| Max Power | 115 PS | 150 PS |
| Peak Torque | 178 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic | 7-speed DCT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Competition Check
In the mid-size SUV segment, the Kushaq continues to go up against the Hyundai Creta, Toyota Hyryder, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, Tata Sierra, and the newly launched 3rd-gen Renault Duster.
